I Should Be In The News

Here are some guidelines to help you write a good story submission and increase your chances of having it picked up by media. Remember- there are no guarantees that your story will be on the news (even if we think it is newsworthy), but there are some things you can do to help us help you.

First of all, our volunteers will not contact media about products, services, or non-charitable events. If your company needs something like that, we recommend you contact a local PR firm; use the contact form and we can put you in touch with one.

What NOT to write us about:

• You are trying to sell something
• Garage/Yard Sales, Auctions, etc.
• You’ve lost your pet
• Obituaries
• Personal conflicts with others

We’re sorry we can’t help you with any of the above; you can find extensive resources for these things.

I Should Be In The News is a community service intended to share compelling stories with news organizations. Our free service is not for blatantly promoting yourself, your product, or your company. Our volunteers are smart people and they will verify all facts of your story before contacting any media, so please be honest and accurate with your submission. And by the way, we don’t work with reality TV shows so don’t bother telling us why you should be on one.

When submitting your story, stick to the relevant details and outline the important information about your story. We want to know:

• WHO
• WHAT
• WHEN
• WHERE
• HOW
• WHY

If the submission is about you personally, we don’t need to know your entire life story. If you want local media to know about your charitable event, make sure you give us complete details including addresses, dates, times, and any web links- and please do so well in advance of the event! If you are writing about an event that is happening tomorrow, chances are we can’t help you.

Every submission should include your full name, email, phone number, and location.

Here’s an example of a story idea that generated lots of news coverage:

WHAT: Reach Out: A Special Concert to Benefit Iowa Flood Victims

WHO & WHY: A group of friends in Southern California who are all Iowa natives are planning a benefit concert to help the victims of severe flooding in our home state.  We seek to raise money for United Way of Central Iowa, which is giving much-needed relief to flood victims. All of the artists involved are volunteering to perform. Headlining will be Iowa natives The Nadas, making the event even more meaningful for fellow Iowans now living in Southern California. Also performing will be LA-based Christopher Hawley Rollers, Sharon Temple, and The Quiet.  D.J. Quickie Mart, who is himself a refugee of Hurricane Katrina, will spin in between bands and close the evening.  Admission to the benefit concert is only $20; all proceeds from the event go directly to United Way of Iowa and tax deductible contributions will be accepted.  There will be donated items auctioned off throughout the evening.  Product donations will be accepted anytime; if you would like to support Reach Out contact Tyler Kamerman at (XXX) XXX-XXXX.  Visit  www.HelpIowa.Ning.Com for more information

WHEN/WHERE:

Tuesday, July 2, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. at 14 Below (1348 14th St., Santa Monica , CA)